Plastic Wrap Securement For Plastic Pallet

ABSTRACT

A pallet comprising means to secure a tarp or plastic covering is designed to minimize the amount of plastic wrap or tarp required and to be simply employed. The securement means of the present invention are at least partially integrated with the pallet and do not interfere with the other operative loading features of the tray or pallet. In general, the means to secure comprise an opening integral to a side or end of the pallet, opening to the bottom edge, and shaped to both accept and secure a portion of the covering.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

Transportation and storage of objects is a part of daily life in thecivilized world. To achieve these objectives, boxes, cases, trays,cartons, and pallets have been designed and re-designed to address thesetransportation needs. Trays, pallets, and open-topped containers provideexcellent utility for moving and storing single items as well asfungible loads. They are often simpler to load and less expensive tomanufacture than closed containers.

For loads that may be sensitive to the elements and/or need to be storedfor long lengths of time, or loads that tend to slide easily, trays andpallets may work better if the load is protected. This type ofprotection is often provided via tarp or plastic wrapping. However, itis difficult to secure the tarp or wrapping. Some simply wrap the entiretray or pallet+load several times and depend on the self-stickcharacteristics of the plastic to secure it. The self-stick character isnot very dependable. It is also difficult to remove/unwrap loads wrappedin multiple layers of plastic. For loads that are not uniform in shape,depending on self-stick is even less dependable. Further, more plasticthan is actually necessary to offer protection for the load is oftenused in order to be more certain it will remain in place.

In addition to the expected waste and lack of dependability, plasticwrapped or tarp wrapped pallets are difficult to manipulate. In order tomove the pallets and their loads, machines such as fork lifts need to beable to easily engage and lift the pallet and its load and then easilydisengage from the pallet after the pallet is positioned. If a pallet ortray is wrapped in plastic, the features that may otherwise facilitateeasy engagement such as runners or slots may be covered by the plasticmaking transport difficult or impossible. Alternatively, wrapping inorder to avoid blocking these loading features can be time consuming andwasteful of the wrapping material.

Securing a tarp is even more difficult and sometimes is accomplishedusing bungee cords or ties with hooks to secure the ends together, orties to gather the tarp at the corners and secure by securing on theunderside of the corner. Many of the same problems that plague the useof plastic wrap also plague the use of tarps. What was needed was simplemeans to secure plastic wrap or a tarp to a tray or pallet withoutnegatively affecting the function or simplicity of loading the tray orpallet.

The present invention is designed to minimize the amount of plastic wrapor tarp required. It provides means to secure that are operable witheither tarp or plastic and are simple to use. The securement means ofthe present invention are of simple and easy construction and at leastpartially integrated with the rack or tray. Finally, the securementmeans preferably do not interfere with the other operative loadingfeatures of the tray or pallet.

Although the pallets or trays with which the present invention are usedare not intended to be limited by this description, it is useful todescribe a common type of pallet.

The securement means of the present invention may be used with a plasticpallet capable of bearing a dynamic load, some comprising a load limitof up to about 2,000 pounds or more. Standard pallets may includepallets that can span a 42 inch or 44 inch open pallet rack. Pallets aretypically designed for durability and storage/stacking ease. Some of thepallets with which the present invention may be used are stored in anesting arrangement with others and may be of relatively low cost. Manyare of unitary structure such as manufactured by a molding process. Saidsecurement means of the present invention secure wrap or tarp in such away that the other advantageous features of the pallet are notdiminished in value. Pallets of different dimensions having the featuresof the present invention would also be desirable especially if thepallet can readily survive several shipping cycles before repair orreplacement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention comprises securement means for a pallet or trayhaving a loading deck. The loading deck may be the result of a moldingprocess. Alternatively, the pallet or tray is generally of a unitarystructure resulting from an injection molding, blow molding or vacuumforming process. In a preferred embodiment, the pallet or tray can benested and stacked with other pallets. The securement means isassociated with a surface of the pallet and designed to anchor acovering over a load placed on the pallet or tray. The securement meansis preferably designed to lie mostly if not entirely within the plane ofthe surface with which it is associated so as to minimize or avoidinterference with the original functionality of the pallet or tray. Inone embodiment, the securement means is integrally formed in a portionof the pallet and lies interior to the plane of the surface.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a view of an exemplary pallet;

FIG. 2 depicts a second view of an exemplary pallet;

FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the pallet of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts a third embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a perspective of a fourth embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective of a fifth embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a sixth embodiment; and

FIG. 9 shows an exemplary cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Technical and scientific terms used herein have the meaning commonlyunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presentinvention pertains, unless otherwise defined. In the specification andthe appended claims, the singular forms include plural referents unlessthe context clearly dictates otherwise. The singular forms “a”, “an”,and “the” specifically also encompass the plural fauns of the terms towhich they refer, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Theword “or” is used in the inclusive sense of “and/or” and not“either/or”. The term “about” is used to mean approximately, in theregion of, roughly, or around. The term “comprise(s)” and “comprising”are to be interpreted as having an open-ended meaning and synonymouswith the phrases “having at least” or “including at least”.

A pallet 10 of the present invention includes at least a top surface 12,a bottom surface 14, and a first outer side 16. Many embodiments alsoinclude a second outer side 18, a first end 20, and a second end 22.Some embodiments include a plurality of outer sides all equal indimension. Means to secure 30 may be located on any portion of any oneof said top surface 12, the bottom surface 14, any outer side 16, 18, oreither end 20, 22 if an end is present. In one embodiment, said means tosecure 30 comprises a resiliently closed opening 165 (see FIG. 6); inanother embodiment said means to secure 30 comprises a slot 135 (FIG.3), a keyhole slot 125 (FIG. 4), or an “L” shaped slot 155 (FIG. 5).Still another embodiment comprises an initial ramped portion to assistwith alignment of the tarp (FIG. 7). A final embodiment comprises a tabaround which the tarp is wrapped for securement (FIG. 8). In severalembodiments the means to secure 30 comprises the same material as thatwhich makes up the surface 12, 14, side, 16, 18 or end 20, 22 on whichthe means to secure 30 is located and is either flush with or interiorto an outside level 32 of that surface, side or end. This might beaccomplished by integrally molding the means to secure 30 into thesurface 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or 22. Several of the same or differentmeans 30 may be located on one or more of the surfaces 12, 14, 16, 18,20, or 22.

In one embodiment, the pallet 10 is a molded pallet of unitarystructure, the top surface 12 and a lower most plane 34 of the bottomsurface 14 spatially separated. The pallet 10 may comprise runners orribs in the bottom surface 14 in which case some portions of the bottomsurface 14 are closer to or may be integral with the top surface 12 andother portions would be parallel with the lower most plane 34 of thebottom surface 14. Alternatively, as is known in the art, the pallet'sbottom surface may comprise pedestals which allow for nesting andprovide securement means for transporting the pallet. These embodimentsof a pallet 10 comprise an outer surface 100 extending in a downwardlyangular or perpendicular manner from said top surface 12, said outersurface 100 may or may not comprise a lower edge 102.

In another embodiment, the pallet 10 comprises a top surface 12 havingan outer surface extending in a downwardly angular or perpendicularmanner from said top surface said outer surface 100 comprising a loweredge 102.

In yet another embodiment, the pallet 10 comprises a top deck having asurface 12, a bottom surface 14, and a first outer side 16, a secondouter side 18, a first end surface 20 a, and a second end surface 22 a.This embodiment resembles a shallow block. The sides 16, 18, 20 a and 22a may, together, be referred to as the outer surface 100.

Any of the aforementioned embodiments of the pallet 10 may be of unitarystructure. Any may include means to facilitate nesting such as runnersor pegs.

The means to secure 30 may be integrally formed in the outer surface100. In some embodiments where the outer surface comprises a lower edge102 said means to secure 30 may be positioned at and may evenincorporate the lower edge 102. The means to secure 30 may be moldedintegrally into the lower edge 102 during the manufacturing process.

The means to secure 30 generally operate by friction fit (includingtying and/or anchoring with a knot or “T”) to secure a covering 110which may comprise plastic wrap or other tarp-like material 110. It ispossible to create said means to secure 30 to comprise metal rings orhook, however, the spirit of this invention is to provide means tosecure that are simple and do not negatively affect the functionality ofthe pallet, including required maintenance and replacement of parts.While it is within the scope of this disclosure to provide a pallet 10with a single means to secure 30 as claimed herein, it is expected mostoften that a plurality of means 30 will be provided on a pallet 10. Inoperation, a load is placed on the top surface 12 of the pallet 10. Afirst end or side or point 112 (see FIG. 9) of a covering 110 which maycomprise a plastic wrap or a tarp is gathered and inserted into themeans to secure 30. The plastic wrap or tarp 110 is then stretched orextended over the load and a second end or side or point 114 is gatheredand secured. The second end or side or point 114 may be secured by asecond means to secure 30 as disclosed herein, or may be secured byanother means.

The present invention is intended to provide means to secure 30 plasticwrap or tarp 110 over a load placed on a pallet 10. It is understood,however, that said means to secure 30 could also be used to securespecially made lids or covers if said lids or covers were equipped withelements that could be retained by the means to secure 30. Means tosecure 30 could be used to directly secure a load if the load wereequipped with attachment means that can be frictionally secured to themeans to secure 30.

In one embodiment, means to secure comprises a keyhole shape 125 openingfrom said lower edge 102 with stricture 127 for assisting in thesecurement of the plastic wrap or tarp 110. (See FIG. 4)

In a second embodiment a simple slot 135 opening to the lower edge 102is provided. (See FIG. 3)

In a third embodiment, a ramped slot 145 opens into said lower edge 102.Here, the slot also comprises a ramp section 147 to assist the user toalign and insert the tarp or plastic 110. (See FIG. 7)

A hook-shaped slot 155 is provided in a fourth embodiment wherein saidslot comprises a first portion 157 generally perpendicular to said loweredge 102 and a second portion 159 open to said first portion 157 andgenerally parallel with said lower edge 102. (See FIG. 5)

A fifth embodiment comprises a slotted opening 165 in the outer surface100 said slotted opening 165 flexible, with high resilience. A corner ofthe tarp 110 or another portion of the tarp 110 may be inserted into theslotted opening 165 which will secure the tarp 110. (See FIG. 6)

In use, the present invention accommodates insertion of a portion of theplastic or tarp and securing it therein. It is contemplated that the endof the plastic or tarp may be equipped with a stop such as a “T” or aknot or a plate that, once inserted in the means to secure, will provideadditional resistance to slippage.

The present invention will reduce waste otherwise incurred by wrappingthe entire pallet, reduce or eliminate loss of functionality caused byfully wrapping a pallet relative to its stackability, and avoid loss ofother functionality and sources of weakness that would be caused byexteriorly mounted securement means such as rings or hooks.

The inventor does not intend to limit the invention to these embodimentsbut, rather, the invention is directed to the use of single or multiplemeans to secure, all uniform in a given pallet, or arranged in groupingsof different embodiments, or comprising several different embodiments toprovide multi-use.

The present invention has been described in both specificity, and withgenerality. It is not intended to be limited except as the claimslanguage requires. To that end, the material used to make the pallet ortop deck may be of several blends of plastic, fiberglass, orcombinations with wood or metal. The pallet includes at least one andmay include a plurality of identical means to secure. Alternatively, thepallet may include a plurality of means to secure that differ from oneanother within the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, saidmeans to secure are integrally molded with the pallet or the top decksuch that they are co-planar with or interior to the outermost surfaceof the pallet or top deck in which said means to secure is located.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pallet comprising means to secure a coveringsaid pallet comprising: a) a top surface and at least a first side, saidfirst side having an outer surface, an internal surface, an edge and ameans to secure; b) said means to secure comprising an opening in theouter surface, a first part of the opening extending through theinternal surface and a second part of the opening extending through theedge and having a shape for accepting and securing a portion of acovering.
 2. The pallet of claim 1 said portion of the coveringcomprising a stop for securing the portion of the covering.
 3. A methodof using the pallet of claim 2 comprising inserting the portion of thecovering into the second part of the opening and sliding the coveringinto the first part of the opening thereafter positioning the stopagainst the internal surface with the covering extended outwardly fromthe first outer side.
 4. The pallet of claim 1, said means to secureshaped generally like a keyhole.
 5. The pallet of claim 1 said means tosecure comprising a slanted ramp section at the second part of theopening to assist in aligning the portion of the covering, the firstpart of the opening shaped as a slot extending away from the edge andthe second part of the opening.
 6. The pallet of claim 1 said first partcomprising an elongated shape, said second part comprising an elongatedshape oriented generally perpendicular from the first part to providemeans to secure the portion of the covering.
 7. The covering of claim 1comprising a flexible plastic sheet.
 8. The covering of claim 1comprising a tarp.
 9. The flexible plastic sheet of claim 7 comprising acorner, said corner equipped with a stop.
 10. A pallet of generallyunitary plastic structure comprising means to secure a flexiblecovering, said pallet comprising a first end having an edge, a secondend having an edge, a first side having an edge, a second side having anedge, a top deck, and a bottom surface, said means to secure comprisinga slot-shape extending upwardly from at least one of said first endedge, said second end edge, said first side edge, and second side edge.